Designer Naeem Khan speaks out on immigration ban while fashion industry's silence grows deafening

While actors and actresses, musicians and celebrities have spoken out against President Donald Trump's executive order banning refugees from entering the United States within in the next 120 days, as well as citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, the fashion world has remained remarkably mum. Major brands, models and designers have yet to speak out. 

That is, other than Naeem Khan, an immigrant himself from India, who was one of the first to issue a statement on Sunday. 

"I am the immigrant that brings beauty to make you shine," Khan wrote on Instagram. "I am the immigrant that is woven into the fabric of America. I am the immigrant that loves this country as all your ancestors who were immigrants."

"America look deep and stand for who is patriotic, our values and not for a pompous self promoting racist snake oil salesman," Khan concluded. "Think and act." 

What makes this rather remarkable is that much like the tech and entertainment industries, the fashion industry is full of immigrants. Designers like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim all immigrated to America. Brands rely on labor from other countries to produce their clothing and goods as well. 

Though Christian Siriano also decided to make his opinions known on Sunday, Naeem Khan was the first notable immigrant designer to speak out thus far. 

Later on Sunday, Public School's Dao-Yi Chow posted a video from a New York City rally with the caption: "My Muslim brothers and sisters NYC is out here and will continue to be out here in support. New York is an immigrant town."

Then on Monday, Diane von Furstenberg, who is originally from Belgium, was quoted by Business of Fashion saying: "The fashion industry has always been a reflection of what America is all about... inclusion and diversity. It will continue to stand by these standards. I am personally horrified to see what is going on."

Few models have spoken out too, despite working with many immigrants themselves in the industry. Those who have taken the time to make some sort of statement so far include Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid, who attended a rally in support of refugees, and Cara Delevigne, who posted on Instagram on Sunday. 

Many designers and models have issued statements on things like the Women's March. It's unclear what this lingering silence on the immigration issue means. 

Mic has reached out to Khan for further comment. 

Jan. 30, 2017, 3:02 p.m.: This story has been updated.